2.9 Patron Conduct
The Garnet A. Wilson Public Library of Pike County and its outlets are public facilities available to all residents of
Patrons shall refrain from loud and boisterous behavior.
Eating and/or smoking are not permitted in library buildings.
Patrons are to be courteous to others when using cell phones.
No pets, with the exception of working companion dogs, shall be allowed in the library buildings. Some animals are allowed within the library facilities for special programs, for example visits from the Columbus Zoo, at the discretion of the Director.
Shoes, shirts, and appropriate attire shall be worn by patrons of the library.
Patrons with hygiene or health related conditions, including but not limited to, body odor and lice, that interfere with the use and enjoyment of the library by other patrons or with the functioning of the library staff, may be asked to leave the premises.
Children aged 10 or older may enter the building without parental supervision under the condition that they follow all patron code of conduct guidelines. Children under the age of 10 may enter the library only if they are in the company of a child age 10 or older, or an adult. Failure to follow patron code of conduct will result in child(ren) not being allowed to enter facility without the accompaniment of an adult or guardian.
Use of profanity by patrons is prohibited, as are threats of physical violence toward other patrons or library employees.
Respect of and care for the facilities and equipment of the library shall also be observed by patrons.
Patrons shall handle library materials with care and with respect for their intended use.
Possession of alcohol and illegal drugs on library property is expressly prohibited.
Unless otherwise authorized by law, pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code, no person shall knowingly possess, have under the person’s control, convey, or attempt to convey a deadly weapon or dangerous ordinance onto library premises.
Patrons who are registered as a sex offender with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction, or in any other state or with any other agency, shall not loiter in the children’s area of the library. Taking pictures of minors without knowledge/consent is prohibited and shall lead to eviction from the facility. Patrons who are registered as sex offenders may bring their own children to the children’s area under the condition that they do not interact with children who are not their own; staff shall enforce these rules without prejudice.
Inappropriate behavior by an individual while on library property could result in expulsion from the library and its other outlets. The decision to remove an individual from library property shall be at the discretion of the Director or staff member in charge. Reasons for such exclusion may include but are not limited to use of profanity, sexual solicitation or advances, aggressive behavior, use of illegal substances and/or alcohol, use of tobacco in any form, vandalism, use of racial slurs or epithets, or any other behavior that may be injurious to other patrons or staff.
Those patrons who repeatedly engage in inappropriate behavior as outlined above and who have received verbal and/or written warnings from library staff, may be banned from the library. A permanent ban from the library and its facilities will only be done in consultation with the Board of Trustees and the library’s legal counsel.
In the case of a pandemic or similar situation, patrons must wear a mask in order to enter the facility. Those without medical issues who refuse to wear a mask will be asked to use curbside pickup. Patrons with health issues that become exasperated by masks will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. These patrons may also be asked to use curbside pickup. This conduct policy will be lifted at the Director’s discretion.
[Res. 46-96,